NEW DELHI, JAN 15: Virat Kohli shocked the Indian cricket world on Saturday by abruptly resigning as the national side’s Test captain, after leading the team to memorable overseas victories in his seven years in charge.

The 33-year-old, considered one of the best batsmen of his era, took to Twitter to announce his decision a day after India’s 2-1 series defeat in South Africa.

“It’s been seven years of hard work, toil and relentless perseverance everyday to take the team in the right direction. I’ve done the job with absolute honesty and left nothing out there,” Kohli said in his statement.

“Everything has [to] come to a halt at some stage and for me as Test captain of India, it’s now. There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief.” After Kohli’s announcement of relinquishing the Test captaincy, the Indian cricket board tweeted: “BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) congratulates team India captain Virat Kohli for his admirable leadership qualities that took the Test team to unprecedented heights.”